Crab & Shrimp Queso Fiesta Rolls
Crab & Shrimp Queso Fiesta Rolls are the kind of crowd-pleasing recipe that disappears fast at parties and family dinners. They combine tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, sautéed peppers and onions, and plenty of melty cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas or flaky crescent dough. The filling is rich, savory, and just a little smoky, with optional Old Bay and fajita spices adding that bold, coastal-meets-Mexican flair. These rolls work as an appetizer, a fun dinner, or a game-day snack, and they’re easy to customize depending on what you have on hand. Serve them on their own or drizzle with extra queso for a truly festive finish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Seafood
Large shrimp: 1/2 to 1 lb, peeled, deveined, and chopped
Lump or imitation crab meat: 1/2 to 1 cup, chopped
Produce & Seasoning
Red bell pepper: 1 medium, finely diced
Yellow bell pepper: 1 medium, thinly sliced (optional)
Small red onion: 1, finely chopped or thinly sliced
Garlic cloves: 2, minced
Olive oil or butter: 1 tablespoon
Fajita seasoning: 1 teaspoon (or smoked paprika 1/2 tsp + cumin 1/2 tsp)
Salt: to taste
Black pepper: to taste
Old Bay seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Fresh parsley or cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Green onions: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
Cheese & Wraps
Large flour tortillas: 6 to 8
or crescent roll dough: 1 package
Shredded mozzarella or Mexican cheese blend: 1 1/2 cups
Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened (optional, for creamier filling)
Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons (optional, for topping)
Other (Optional)
Cooked white rice: 1/2 cup
Creamy cheese sauce or béchamel: 1/2 cup, for topping
Egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash if using crescent rolls)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chopped shrimp to the pan. Season with fajita seasoning, salt, pepper, and Old Bay if using. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink.
Gently fold in the crab meat and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
Stir in cream cheese if using, followed by shredded cheese and cooked rice if adding. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Lay out tortillas and spoon filling evenly down the center, then roll tightly. If using crescent dough, fill and roll according to package style.
Place rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash if using crescent dough.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish with parsley, cilantro, or green onions. Serve warm, drizzled with cheese sauce if desired.
Tips
Chop shrimp finely so they distribute evenly in every bite.
Do not overcook shrimp during sautéing, as they finish cooking in the oven.
Drain crab meat well to avoid watery filling.
Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
Taste the filling before assembling and adjust seasoning.
Roll tortillas tightly to prevent leaking during baking.
Let rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and easy cleanup.
Add a light sprinkle of cheese on top for extra browning.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Variations
Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or chili flakes.
Use all shrimp or all crab depending on availability.
Swap tortillas for egg roll wrappers and fry for a crispy version.
Add corn kernels for sweetness and texture.
Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
Turn them into mini pinwheels by slicing before baking.
Add lime zest to brighten the filling.
Use whole wheat tortillas for a lighter option.
Add spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Top with salsa verde or chipotle sauce before serving.
Q & A
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, freeze unbaked rolls and bake from frozen with extra time.
What dipping sauces work best?
Queso, sour cream, or spicy mayo pair well.
Can I air fry them?
Yes, air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 10 to 12 minutes.
Is imitation crab okay?
Yes, it works well and is budget-friendly.
Can I skip cream cheese?
Yes, the rolls will still be cheesy without it.
How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Avoid excess liquid and bake on parchment paper.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce spices for milder flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, mushrooms or zucchini work well.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
(Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 380
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Conclusion
Crab & Shrimp Queso Fiesta Rolls are rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to something special. With flexible ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe adapts to your taste while delivering bold, cheesy seafood goodness every time. Once you serve these, don’t be surprised if they become a regular request.